The University has delivered on a pledge to become the first major research university to commit to becoming a LED Campus. This essentially means the University has decided to work to make LED technology the major source of lighting. The pledge includes replacing interior and exterior wayfinding fixtures by 2025 and having a majority of all lighting be LED by 2050.

The University will demonstrate a preference for LED lighting, commit to implementing LED lighting throughout campus, reflect these commitments in the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP), and encourage research and development to expand the application of LED technology. The University believes following the above initiatives will continue its leadership in becoming a LED Campus.

The LED has a history at the University of Illinois, as alumnus and faculty member Nick Holoynak Jr. demonstrated the first visible LED. Holoynak earned his undergraduate degree and doctorate from the University and serves as a faculty member in the College Engineering.